WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), which represents 1.3 million workers in grocery stores, meatpacking plants, and other essential industries across North America, released the following statement after the Biden Administration announced steps it is taking to crack down on child labor violations.
UFCW International President Marc Perrone released the following statement:
“Today, the Biden Administration outlined a clear plan to crack down on the corporate employers who have engaged in egregious child labor violations across the country. The UFCW calls on Congress to provide every resource necessary to address this and stop these cruel violations of the law.
“It is striking that in 2023, the Department of Labor has found hundreds of violations across the country, impacting thousands of children, including unaccompanied minors who migrated to the US in hopes of a better life. Many of these employers have repeatedly engaged in vicious union-busting tactics and exploited workers – and now children. These employers must be held accountable to the full extent of the law, and prohibited from ever being able to violate workers’ rights again.
“Now, our elected leaders know what needs to be done to protect American workers – and children especially – from corporate greed and profit chasing. It is time to act, and for our nation’s political leaders – of both parties – to protect our children.”
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The UFCW is the largest private sector union in the United States. UFCW International represents 1.3 million professionals and their families in healthcare, grocery stores, meatpacking, food processing, retail shops and other industries. Our members serve our communities in all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. Learn more about the UFCW at ufcw.org.